Follow: meaning, definitions and examples
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follow
[ˈfɒləʊ ]
Definitions
on social media
To choose to receive updates from a particular user or account on a social media platform. When you follow someone, their posts will appear in your feed.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| follow |
Use 'follow' when referring to keeping up with updates or movements, especially on social media or in general day-to-day activities.
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| subscribe |
Use 'subscribe' when you want to regularly receive updates, content, or services, mainly used in the context of digital media, newsletters, or services.
|
| track |
Use 'track' when you need to follow the progress or development of something over time, often used in project management, deliveries, or fitness.
|
| monitor |
Use 'monitor' in a context where you need to observe or check something systematically or over a period of time, often used in professional or technical settings.
|
Examples of usage
- I always follow my favorite celebrities on Instagram.
- Don't forget to follow our company page for the latest updates.
direction
To go or come after (a person or thing proceeding ahead); move or travel behind.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| follow |
Generally used when you are going behind someone or something to see where it goes or to stay close to it. It can also mean to monitor someone's progress or updates.
|
| pursue |
Often suggests a more formal or determined effort to achieve something, such as a goal or a career. It can also mean to try to catch someone, similar to 'chase' but with a more deliberate intention.
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| trail |
Commonly used when following someone or something in a less direct or more distant manner. It can also refer to leaving a path behind.
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| chase |
Usually implies a sense of urgency or desire to catch something or someone moving fast. Often used in the context of action, games, or police pursuits.
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Examples of usage
- Please follow me to the conference room.
- The dog followed its owner wherever he went.
action
The act of following someone or something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| follow |
Use when referring to keeping up with someone or something, either physically or virtually without implying any sense of urgency or intent to catch. Generally neutral.
|
| pursuit |
Can be used in formal or more serious contexts. Implies a determined effort to achieve something or catch someone. Often used in professional or goal-oriented scenarios.
|
| tracking |
Commonly used when referring to monitoring the progress or movements of someone or something over time. Often implies the use of tools or methods to keep a consistent check.
|
| chasing |
Implies a sense of urgency and active effort to catch up with or capture someone or something. Often used in informal or dramatic contexts. Can sometimes have a negative or desperate connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- He led and they followed.
- The car behind us was following too closely.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- Originates from the Old English word 'fyllan', which means to be full or to fulfill.
- The word evolved through Anglo-French before becoming the modern English word we use today.
Social Media
- In the digital world, 'follow' allows users to receive updates from people or brands they like on platforms like Twitter or Instagram.
- Following someone online can signify interest or support, creating a digital community among users.
Psychology
- The act of following can relate to social behaviors and how we influence one another's actions in a group setting.
- People often follow others in hopes of gaining approval or acceptance, which is a fundamental aspect of social bonding.
Literature
- Many literary works illustrate themes of following, whether it's characters chasing dreams, troubles, or personal growth.
- Notable stories often explore the consequences of following leaders or ideologies, highlighting moral lessons.
Cultural Significance
- In various cultures, the concept of following is tied to traditions, such as following a mentor's teaching or family lineage.
- Rituals around following paths, like pilgrimages or ceremonial processes, signify seeking enlightenment or purpose.
Translations
Translations of the word "follow" in other languages:
🇵🇹 seguir
- acompanhar
- seguir as instruções
🇮🇳 अनुसरण करना
- पालन करना
- अनुसरण करना
🇩🇪 folgen
- befolgen
- nachgehen
🇮🇩 mengikuti
- menuruti
- mengikuti petunjuk
🇺🇦 слідувати
- дотримуватися
- йти за
🇵🇱 śledzić
- podążać za
- przestrzegać
🇯🇵 従う (したがう)
- 追う (おう)
- ついていく
🇫🇷 suivre
- obéir
- suivre les instructions
🇪🇸 seguir
- obedecer
- seguir las instrucciones
🇹🇷 takip etmek
- uymak
- izlemek
🇰🇷 따르다 (ttareuda)
- 좇다 (jotda)
- 따라가다 (ttaragada)
🇸🇦 يتبع (yattabaʿ)
- امتثل (imtaṯal)
- اتبع التعليمات (ittabaʿ at-taʿlīmāt)
🇨🇿 sledovat
- následovat
- řídit se
🇸🇰 nasledovať
- dodržiavať
- riadiť sa
🇨🇳 跟随 (gēnsuí)
- 遵循 (zūnxún)
- 按照 (ànzhào)
🇸🇮 slediti
- upoštevati
- izpolnjevati
🇮🇸 fylgja
- hlýða
- fylgja leiðbeiningum
🇰🇿 еру
- бағыну
- нұсқауларды орындау
🇬🇪 მიდევნება (midevneba)
- დამორჩილება (damorchileba)
- ინსტრუქციების მიყოლა (instruktsiebis miqola)
🇦🇿 izləmək
- riayət etmək
- təlimatlara əməl etmək
🇲🇽 seguir
- obedecer
- seguir las instrucciones